Page 6 - Falcon Issue 1 2024

6
COMMANDING OFFICER’S INTRO
The last twelve months have seen
the Battalion moving forward once again in our exciting role as part of the Ranger Regiment. Since January 23, 386 Service Personnel have deployed from 1 RANGER across the globe, supporting a range of Projects, Short Term Training requests, trawls, adventurous training opportunities and sport. Throughout, the focus has remained on continuously developing our capability as a special operations capable force operating in complex high threat environments, providing operational level insights and effects to counter Violent Extremist Organisations and Hostile State Activity. The RANGER concept has progressed favourably this calendar year, taking critical steps towards various levels of NATO SOF individual validation. The Battalion continues to be persistently engaged alongside West African partner forces, whilst also contributing to UK based training activities in support of a tumultuous global picture.
There is much to be proud of this year, and appropriate recognition must go to the stalwart headquarter company for facilitating steadfastly. Further, it must be noted with thanks the strong support provided by the families of the Battalion and the patience with the demanding strain of separation from loved ones.
2024 is set to deliver many of the same challenges and opportunities. Already off to a raring start seeing over half of our service men and women deployed to Salisbury plain to support Exercise Apollo Sabre, the validation
Rangers conducting infil via fastroping
exercise of the RANGER Regiments. Over 12 days, each RANGER SOTG will be tested on their ability to operate at reach fighting in the enemy’s deep. Following this, C Company will deploy to Cyprus and Jordan and B Company will continue their mission critical training in preparation for an April shift to the Operations Company. D Company, the current operationally aligned Company will return at this point for some well-deserved leave and realignment to “Operations 2” supporting emerging tasks across the globe.
Excitingly, April will see A (Krithia)
I remain humbled to command
and serve alongside such a team of talented and dedicated soldiers, NCOs and Officers
Company’s entry to the rotation. This is an uplift of a Company of Gurkha soldiers proud to take their place as part of 1 RANGER. The history and bond between Scottish and Gurkha soldiers dates back 200 years to 1814 where many Scottish Officers served in the Gurkha Regiments formed after the Anglo-Nepalese war.
I remain humbled to command
and serve alongside such a team of talented and dedicated soldiers, NCOs and Officers. Proud of our heritage and historical achievements, the golden thread of our Scottish antecedence is ever present.
HRH Visits 1 RANGER